The Twelve Tribes Money Machine

The life of the typical Twelve Tribes member is very simple. Women’s dresses and “Sus” pants are hand made and most other clothes are bought at thrift stores. Much of the communities organic food is self grown. Members have given up all their possessions and do not have worldly treasures such as TV’s, radios, jewelry, expensive cars etc. Ex-leaders and members often talk about the frugality of the life within the Twelve Tribe communities where every penny is pinched and members work long hours for no pay. The Twelve Tribes leaders do not deny this. They are actually very proud of this fact because they are working to build the kingdom of God on earth and preparing the Messiah’s bride for His return.

The TT leaders adamantly deny that Gene Spriggs lives a “jet-setting” life or any different than the average member in good standing. However, Michael Painter and James Howell, former high level leaders (3rd and 4th in command under Spriggs and Eddie Wiseman) have gone on record as stating that Spriggs has a wallet full of credit cards and travels where he wants when he wants and also enjoys luxuries the average member does not have access to. As the only apostle for the Twelve Tribes it is his role and duty to plant new communities wherever he feels God is leading. So it is necessary for him to travel around the world to do this. Gene always had an inclination towards world travel. In his own biography published by the TT they state he gave up an executive job to take a job as a tour director for a large travel company so that he could see the world.

The Twelve Tribes has never had difficulty purchasing buildings, businesses and property to expand their kingdom on earth. They have claimed in the past that although a number of people come into the communities willing to give up wealth and possessions, just as many come in with little or nothing or even bring a load of debt which often the community does not pay off. So how can they enter a town and drop millions of dollars to buy one or multiple buildings? How did they afford to host a large Cultural Event on the National Mall in Washington DC June 26 – July 6th 2004? How can they afford to produce high quality films denouncing Christianity. The Twelve Tribes can do this because they own over 25 substantial businesses around the world. Many of these are high-end construction companies that list no affiliation to the Twelve Tribes on their websites or advertisements. Below, I have provided a consolidated list of direct links to these Twelve Tribes businesses. These are all businesses that you could stumble across on the various sites hosted by the communities, but as far as I have found, there is no one single list as I have provided below. I believe this is because the Twelve Tribes does not want the public or for that matter their own members to comprehend the vast amount of wealth that is generated by these businesses.

The TT leaders will tell you that many of their restaurants are operated at a loss. Many ex-members have confirmed they often run at a loss but are necessary to recruit new members. However, these are far offset by the other lucrative construction companies as well as the furniture and other products that are made with “free” labor. The most recent defectors from the Twelve Tribes (especially those in leadership positions) complain the Twelve Tribes has become more of a business than a Messianic community.

Many people were amazed to find out a few years back that this obscure group actually had a large contract with Estee Lauder to provide their Origins products. In fact the group had been providing these products from 1995 through 2001 until Estee Lauder found they were using child labor to produce, package and distribute the products. Likewise, the Twelve Tribes provided products to Robert Redford’s Sundance company until he cut-off dealings with them for child labor issues.

The following links are for those Twelve Tribes business that have/had a website. In addition to these businesses, there are a number of “cottage industries” the Twelve Tribes owns and operates with free labor from their members and their children. I will add to the list as I become aware of more businesses.

8 Comments On “The Twelve Tribes Money Machine”

They have a place in Ensenada, Mexico called The Tribal Outpost or something like that. They also purchased a building in Raymond, Washington so that a Yellow Deli can be established. Someone needs to go warn those poor people.

I first came to the Yellow Deli in Chattanooga, Tenn. in January 1973.
There were only six women including Gene Spriggs wife, Marsha,my sister, Patricia, and Paulette Kendrick.
I was a new Christain. When I left for good, I left my twin sisters, No and Jan behind and my girlfriend, JoEllen, but I believe the Lord led me out of there. Why? They tried to play the Holy Spirit in my life. They told me what to eat, how to dress, where to Work, and who I should marry. However, I have the Holy Spirit and he told me to follow his voice. I’ve visited my sisters over the years, Jan Blankenship lives out in Wash. State with me. My girlfriend, JoEllen Griffth left and suffered greatly from staying 21 yrs. Patricia “Hasah” remains since 1972.Although,she almost left 3 times to live with me. Josie Stephens stayed too. Those two sisters are steeped in believing that you have to live there to follow The Lord; it is a lie.
All I can say is Romans 8:28.
I Love the Lord and I Love His Word.
The Holy Spirit tells me that as the World gets darker that Messiah’s 2nd coming is very near. The Gospel has almost reached the four corners of this earth, and I most watch the signs in the sun, moon and stars.
Maranatha. Come quickly Lord.

I am a resident of South Bend Washington and they are about to open a “Yellow Deli”. I have raised the alarm to the locals and was wondering what I should be on the lookout for. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Look out for human trafficking + slave labor. They will be shipping in the slaves soon enough. The poor people will be brain washed into repeating the “Our Father” bit, meanwhile they’ll be scared and living in self-preservation according to all that the leaders tell them.

I think they call all of their construction businesses BOJ, Builders of Judah. They could start a branch up there.

Twelve Tribes beliefs

The Teachings form the body of scriptural understanding from Eugene Spriggs to be taught and observed by every member in all of the locations. They are not meant to be for the public and are presented here for research purposes … [Read More...]

Members of Twelve Tribes escaping fund

Funds will go towards helping members of the Twelve Tribes with urgent needs like a hotel room, meals. Members often leave destitute. The fact of not having anyone to turn to and no cash as well as the dread of integrating into a world they have turned their backs on for years is a major factor that keeps the members in. Please donate to this lifesaving fund.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts
Concerned ex-members